ERIC Number: ED593150
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 190
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-4387-0555-5
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Influence of a Post-Graduate Physical Therapy Residency Program on Clinical Reasoning, Professional Development, and Career Advancement in Nairobi, Kenya
Cunningham, Shala
ProQuest LLC, P.T.P. Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University
Problem Statement: Residency programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and manual therapy can provide a means to optimize the outcomes of physical therapy without the need for or access to expensive equipment. The residency format of continuing education could allow physical therapists in developing countries access to specialty training and ongoing mentorship. However, there are limited studies that investigate the influence of residency training on the progression of clinical reasoning, professional development, and career advancement. Purpose: The purpose of this study was threefold. The first objective was to describe the outcome of a post-graduate orthopaedic manual therapy residency program on development of knowledge and clinical reasoning skills by physical therapists in Nairobi, Kenya. The second objective was to explore the influence of the residency program on the participants' professional development and career advancement. The last objective was to explore the residency experience from participants' perspectives. Methodology: This mixed methods study utilized a sample of convenience that included residents in the third (n=14) and fourth (n=13) cohorts of the orthopaedic manual therapy residency program in Kenya. Data collection included an assessment of clinical reasoning through a live patient examination, a survey on professional and career development, and qualitative interviews. Results: There was a significant improvement in clinical reasoning development as measured by an assessment of a live patient examination (p<0.001). Based on the survey, the majority of residents responded with an extremely positive or somewhat positive response regarding the influence of the residency program on professional development and career advancement. Themes from the qualitative data included: (1) holistic, integrative clinical reasoning process, (2) knowledge and clinical reasoning skills gained and applied to clinical practice, (3) challenges recognized and reliance on support systems, (4) wider perspective and greater understanding of the profession. Discussion: The residency program in Nairobi, Kenya may serve as a framework for the formation of post-graduate education programs in other developing countries. The development of residency programs that can influence the ability of physical therapists to provide treatment efficiently and effectively may ultimately assist in serving community physical therapy needs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Physical Therapy, Foreign Countries, Graduate Medical Education, Professional Development, Promotion (Occupational), Graduate Students, Developing Nations, Program Effectiveness, Student Experience
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kenya (Nairobi)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A